NOTES FROM THE FRONT
Part II
The General Staff, G.H.Q.
War Office, 1914
Printed by H.M.S.O., London, May 1915
"It should be a point of honour with all officers to carry through any task confided to them without asking for reinforcements."
The May 1915 edition of the General Staff booklet Notes From The Front, Part II (1914). Published soon after the outbreak of WW1, it includes the latest advice coming back from the front line in France and Belgium. Lessons learned in the first few months of the war were assessed by the General Staff and several booklets were quickly produced to pass this information on to all those who might benefit, particularly junior and senior officers on their way to the front. With practical advice on subjects ranging from the care of rifles, conserving ammunition, the use of cavalry, and the selection of officer's kit to current German tactics and the building of effective trenches, this would have been a very useful document for all those heading out to the trenches of France and Flanders. The booklet is illustrated with line drawings and diagrams of trenches and defensive positions. A very interesting, and important original document from May 1915.
This is the General Staff's rather optimistic assessment of the current situation, taken from the section on infantry:
"Our infantry has proved itself superior in every respect to that of the enemy. The shooting of the German infantry is poor, and the men will not face the bayonet. Unless they are supported by a superior artillery fire, they have no chance against British infantry, either in attack or defence."
Condition:
In very good condition. The paper cover shows minor signs of wear and use, and a few marks. The stapled binding is secure, although the staples are rusty. The text and illustrations are in very good condition.
Published: 1914 (Printed May 1915)
Khaki paper cover, black titling
Dimensions: 1005mm x 160mm
Pages: 36
